It wasn’t until about 4 p.m. the afternoon that I realised on glancing through the window beside my desk that the sun had made a fleeting appearance as,
against the still indigo skies, it lit the pink rambling rose rising from the front trellis.
Its deeper pink companion soared above the porch, and the first of the Félicité Perpétue blooms which will drape themselves over the opposite fence has opened out.
I had spent the morning reading and responding to the letters of condolences it has taken me three months to complete. We posted these from Everton Post Office and drove on further into the forest.
Royden Lane took us to
Lower Sandy Down. On the left hand side of this shot stands
a large oak tree the bole of which is home to ferns, ivy, and mosses.
An unusual number of ponies grazed around Hatchet Pond, normally the realm of donkeys.
Stately swans disturbed the surface of the lake which mirrored their images.
A black headed gull was in an equally reflective mood.
This evening we dined on Jackie’s perfect pork paprika; boiled new potatoes; breaded mushrooms; and green beans. The Culinary Queen drank Hoegaarden and I drank more of the Carmenere.
Wonderful post, Derrick – the lighting is spectacular, as is your prose, as always. I loved the gull and his reflective friend. I think we have the same kind of gulls here.
Lovely that you respond to condolence letters. It must be hard. I think of you, both, often.
Very many thanks, Jodie X
<3
How delightfully curious is our English weather. Today the forecast in Grimsby was for cloud and light showers but the sun has shone all day. I had to water the vegetable patch this evening!
Thanks a lot, Andrew
The roses were appropriate for such a reflective day.
Thanks very much, Tootlepedal
You are surrounded by so much beauty. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you very much, Wendi
🙂
It seems perhaps the weather suited your activity today Derrick – that is a hard task to undertake at any time! I am glad to hear you then went out for your daily perambulation through nature. There is no better healer!
Exactly, Pauline. Thanks very much
I’m sure today brought back a lot of memories for you, Derrick. I’m happy you ventured out onto the forest road. Beautiful photos!
Thanks very much for the understanding, especially, Jill
Reflective reflections. I’m sorry for your task, but it’s nice that you were able to get outside afterward to have a ramble of your own. That black-headed gull is quite reflective!
Many thanks, Merril. Much appreciated
Very nice – I see no poison ivy on that tree – that’s my nemesis! Your dinner reports always give me ideas, too.
Thank you very much, BCM
So much grief in a life, Derrick. Some of these are very hard days and I wish you strength and beauty to cope with them.
Very many thanks – especially for the understanding, Frank
Like Jodie, I often think of the grief you have suffered and must still suffer.
Very many thanks, Laurie. Much appreciated
Get back to writing my next favorite book, you. <3
🙂
Lovely pics.
Thanks very much, Peggy
Lovely photo of the gull in reflective mood.
Thanks very much, Byung
Looks like a wonderful day.
Thanks very much, Mrs. W
Your welcome
Bittersweet day, for sure.
Yes. You got it, Becky. Thanks very much
Thank YOU for all the beautiful photographs!
🙂
That is a startling pun about the gull. Certain developments in the recent past have disposed me too to a similarly reflective mood. Your brooding post has resonated well with me as a consequence.
Very many thanks, Uma. I appreciate your understanding
Good morning Derrick!!! Nice photos!!!!
Did you see it in the morning, rising into the silvery air –
An armful of white blossoms,
A perfect commotion of silk and linen;
a snowbank, a bank of lilies,
Biting the air with its black beak?
Mary Oliver in her celebrated poem Swan
Thanks very much, Efi. Another apt poem
My pleasure Derrick!! Your photos are as restful to the soul as they are pleasing to the eye!!!!
🙂
Lower Sandy Down looks a great place. Full of hobbits and such like!
Indeed, John. Thanks very much
All exquisite.
Many thanks, Paol
Beautiful photos, all! And I really love your reflection photos, Derrick.
The lone swans look so regal, and yet so sad, to me.
I have thought of you and Jackie (and your whole family) over the past few months. From experience, I know that the world goes back to normal so quickly and we are sometimes left to continue to grieve alone.
Please know that Michael is remembered. And always will be.
(((HUGS)))
Very many thanks, Carolyn. For reading and understanding X
Your forest journeys are always give us a pleasant view of your day.
Many thanks, GP
Whoa, I just re-read my comment – what kind of English is THAT?! I’d best go back to school!!
🙂
Oh my, those roses! I appreciate your keen eye for observing quiet moments of beauty.
Thank you very much, Cheryl
Such a difficult task you had to do and I am so pleased you have finished it. Beautiful reflections!
Thank you very much, Clare
Magnificent reflected birds. A miracle of nature… and photography!
Thanks very much, Micheline
You could have given us more pics of the ponies around Hatchet Pond, `
Thanks a lot, Brian.
Great collection of ‘mirror’ shots. 🙂 … nicely done.
Thanks very much, Widders
Wonderful photographs. Sent my mind pinging in all different directions. Then, your “task”. It came at the same time as my brother’s twelve month anniversary. Another gone too soon. My thoughts are with you . . .
Very many thanks, Gwen
Always great following your path.
Thanks very much, Laleh
My pleasure.